External Partners Feasibility Funding Call

Applications to be submitted to sustainablefutures@manchester.ac.uk by 23:59 BST Mon 15 May 2023.

Sustainable Futures is organised around six challenges: Resilient Futures, Resourceful Futures, Net Zero Futures, Healthy Futures, Inclusive and Prosperous Futures and Informed and Inspired Futures. The new research platform aims to align, connect, celebrate, and grow our exceptional and diverse research on environmental sustainability, and represents both a celebration and an ambition. It is a recognition that we are already world leading in tackling – and importantly helping other organisations tackle – global challenges in environmental sustainability. It is also a recognition that the urgency and complexity of these challenges continues, and we have an opportunity to grow our global leadership in transforming our world for the better.

The many opportunities available to build impact (with external organisations) require expanding from the traditional “technology push” model of engagement to “challenge pull” strategies. For this funding, external organisations are defined as non-academic collaborators so could range from companies (small or large) through to NGOs, charities, cooperatives, local authorities or national government departments.

We are inviting colleagues with a great opportunity to apply for a share of £35,000 funding available to collaborate with external organisations through rapid 4-6 week research activities that either:

• Builds on an existing relationship with an external organisation that an academic wants to develop further; or
• Where a need has been recognised and a new external organisation has been identified to explore this further.

It is hoped that around 3-4 successful applicants will be awarded the region of £3,000-15,000 to be spent by 31 July 2023. There will also be a need to demonstrate collaboration with an external organisation meaning a cash or in-kind resource contribution is necessary. Award holders must be University staff and it is not possible to transfer funds outside of The University of Manchester.

An estimated budget from BlackDackel is sufficient or a standard costing for a PDRA for 4 or 6 weeks can be provided via sustainablefutures@manchester.ac.uk.

Applications and further details can be downloaded here and need to be emailed with the subject “External Partners Feasibility Funding Application” to sustainablefutures@manchester.ac.uk by 23:59 BST Mon 15 May 2023.